Vacuum cleaner



Sept. 25, 1951 A. H. BEEDE EFAL 2,569,222

, VACUUM CLEANER Filed June 23, 1950 v 4 SheetsSheet 1 INVENTORS ARNOLDH. BEEDE L-EON P BORKOSK! ATTORNEY.

Sgapt. 25, 1951 A. H. BEEDE ETAL VACUUM CLEANER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledJune 23, 1950 OOO OO UOOO OOOOO 000 0 000000 0000000000 ov lw mw WIQI .iI

INVENTORS NOLD H. BEEDE LEON I? BORKOSKI Sept. 25, 1951 A. H. BEEDE ETALVACUUM CLEANER 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 23, 1950 mmvroxs ARNOLD H.BEEDE By -LEON P BORKOS'K/ ATTORNEY.

Patented Sept. 25, 1951 VACUUM CLEANER Arnold H. Beede and Leon P.Borkoski, Stamford,

Conn.,

assignors to Eleetrolux Corporation,

New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application June 23, 1950,Serial No. 169,964

11 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a vacuum or suction type cleaner having meansadapted to dispose of the dust and dirt accumulated therein. Moreparticularly, it embraces an automatically conditioned tank type cleanerhaving mechanically actuated self-contained control mechanisms forremoving accumulated dirt after such an amount is collected in a porousdisposable bag located within the cleaner as is capable of effecting apredetermined change in the operating efficiency of the cleaner.

It is a major object of this invention to provide an improved vacuumcleaner having automatic means for disposing of dust collected in apaper bag by ejecting from the cleaner the porous disposable paper bagfilled with dust separated from the suction air stream, the ejection ofthe dust and dirt filled bag being effected upon the attainment of apredetermined pressure drop within the cleaner.

It is a further and important object hereof to provide completelymechanical means for effecting the automatic operation of the dust bagejecting devices.

A still further object is to provide a vacuum cleaner having a largedust collecting capacity which operates at a substantially uniformefficiency.

Still other and further objects will be disclosed hereinbelow or willbecome obvious to those skilled in the art from a study of the followingdescription together with the appended drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner as seen from theair intake end, showing a portion of the hose without the conventionalwand and nozzle attachments;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 showing theejector mechanism; the

cord plug connection, the motor fan unit and the hose connectingassembly being shown in plan view;

Figure 3 is a partial sectional view taken on the line 39, Fig. 1 withthe cover closed, showing details of the pneumatic control system,

switching means and cover latch;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3, Fig. l, the coverhowever being shown released to open position;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on the broken line 55, Fig. 1 withthe cover closed, showing details of the automatic and manual means forreleasing the cover and Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the brokenline 55, Fig. 1, the cover however being shown 24 released to openposition and showing a portion of the bottom parallel linkage brokenaway in order to show the internal arrangement of parts more clearly.

It is a feature of this invention that the functioning of the cleaner inits dust disposal capacity is automatic, self-contained and after beingone initiated by the establishment of predetermined changes in theoperational characteristics of the air suction stream within thecleaner, the entire sequence of operations terminating in the ejectionof the dust-filled bag is efiected in a series of steps. Thus, withcontinued dust collection during the regular operation of the cleaner, apressure diflerence is gradually built up within the cleaner between theinside and the outside 01' the dust-collecting bag, i. e. an increaseinpressure drop through the bag is gradually built up. This results in acontinuous and progressively increasing force being exerted upon apressure differential measuring diaphragm the opposite sides of whichare subjected to the difierent pressures built up on the outside andinside of the dust bag, the chamber on one side of the diaphragm beingconnected to an opening communicating with the clean side of the dustbag, the chamber on the other side 'of the diaphragm being connected toan opening communicating with the dirty side of the dust bag. Then, uponthe attainment of a predetermined value in the resultant force exertedupon the pressure diiierential diaphragm, motion is imparted to thisdiaphragm in response to an increase in pressure drop through the dustbag and at a predetermined distortion the diaphragm conditions meanswhich sets into operation a series or seequence of mechanically actuatedsteps which sequence when once initiated culminates in the ejection ofthe dust-filled bag from the cleaner housing.

In a preferred embodiment, the differential pressure diaphragmmechanically withdraws restraining means in the form of a pair of rollerelements which normally hold a pair of tracks in relatively fixedposition and between which tracks the roller elements are disposed so asto render or hold inoperative a triggering mechanism in the form of aspring biased bell crank. The release of this bell crank enables thelatter to actuate a spring biased cover retaining latching means so asto release the cover which is then free to assume its spring biased openposition.

This normally restrained or immobilized bell crank also serves uponrelease to actuate a circuit deenergizing snap type toggle switchwhereby the circuit to the motor fan unit is broken in x hollow casinghaving :a handle H.

timed relation with the opening of the cover. The sequential coveropening steps together with the timely breaking of the motor fan circuitresults in a progressive slowing down in motor fan speed andconsequently the air suction stream also progressively decreases to avalue at which highly effective bag ejection is thereupon more readilyattainable.

The automatic dust bag ejection is effected by a spring actuated ejectorplate which is held in fully cocked or loaded position by a latch meansspring biased to restrain the ejector plate from operation. In theembodiment illustrated an extension on one of apair of parallel linkmembers hingedly supporting the removable cover, in the terminal travelof the latter to wards its fully opened position, serves as a trippingmechanism to actuate the ejector plate restraining latch to itsreleasing position whereupon the dust-filled bag is expelled from thecleaner housing .and deposited on the, floor.

Thus, in accordance with this preferred embodiment of the invention,;automatic dust bag ejection is efiected by mechanical means, after :atripping mechanism is released for operation byawpneumatically actuatedpressure differenitial-measuring device. The pressure differentialmeasuring device is conditioned for operation by utilizing the airpressure difference built up within the cleaner casing by dust layerscollected and deposited within the dust bag. This pressure difference isestablished between the insideiand outside-f the dust collecting bag andis communicated therefromby appropriate con- .duit means during the dustcollecting process-.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, vacuum cleaner housing,IIL'F-ig. 1, is a It is appropriately supported on a pair of runnersI2.

*The suction or tinletvportion of the casing ID is provided W-ithan airinlet nozzle and" wand (not shown) and aflexible :hose I3 (partly-shownin Fig. 1*) andconnecting coupling I 4 adapted for insertionintohosecoupling member I5 mounted on icover I'B. Cover =I-6 effects an airtight seal upon its juxtaposition with reinforcing rubber sealing :ringmember I9; cardboard disc 3I of dust bag 30 :and the (Figs. 5, '6.)conventional sealing ring 22 through which the bag is inserted "into thecleaner .by way of the opening of front body ring'20. Tubular -member2|of the hose coupling assembly I5 is inserted through the opening '32 cutin cardboard disc 3|, extends a short distance into the interior of dustcollecting-receptacle 30, and is sealed against disc 3I by rubbersealing ring I9. Switch button I 6a extending through body ring .20provides the onand-off manual control and reset button for the cleanerunit.

A perforated sleeve 23 is afiixed at one end to front body ring '20 andis adapted to receive within its interior a disposable dust bag 30 ofpaper construction. This entire unit (sleeve 23,

body ring 20, etc.,) 'is telescopically fitted within the openend ofcleaner housing I0 and is afiixed thereinby retainingscrews'M, Figs. 1,2, etc. In the'embodiment shown, sleeve 23 is substantially rectangularincross section and is thus adapted to take a bag of substantiallysimilar but slightly smaller cross-section 30.

Dust bag '30, Fig. 2, comprises a dust receptacle of paper or similarlyair-pervious, dustimpervious, material 33 affixed at its mouth to therear surface of a hard paper or cardboard disc 3|, the latter of whichis clamped between guide member rubber sealing ring I9 of hose couplingassembly I5 and rubber sealing ring 22 within the open end of front bodyring 20. Cardboard disc 3| has a central opening 32 through whichtubular member 2| is inserted in order to introduce the air andentrained dust directly into the interior of dust bag 30. I

The entire surface of sleeve member or dust bag compartment 23 isprovided with apertures 27, Fig. 2, in order to permit suction currentfree passage therethrough and into chamber 40. Sleeve member 23 containthe ejector unit 5| and it associated expulsion spring 53. From chamber48, the suction air current passes through conduit '50, motor housing 70which contains mounted therein motor 'II, after which the .suctioncurrent passes through fan housing 13 containing fan I2 and out throughlouver openings I4.

The bag ejector mechanism 5|, 53, Fig. 2, for

operating the bag ejector plate52, is in the form "ofqa spiralcompressible spring 53 which can be collapsed into fully 'flexed orloaded condition by pushing ejector plate 52 back into the cleanerhousing until latch 52a engages opening 52b in ejector plate 52.U-shaped frame member 55 affixed to the rear end of perforated sleeve.23

supports the fixed end mounting 5% of the ejector spring53.

Latch pin 52a is held in restraining position by lever BI fulcrummed atBla and maintained in ejector restrainin position by biasing spring '62..Latch 52a is operated or actuated to releasing position by automatictriggering effected by the extension 53 of parallel cover linkage I1.Thus, with this particular latching device for restraining the ejectormechanism 5I, plate 52 is held in loaded position until cover I6 ispracticallyfully-opened. Cover I 6 is normally held closed by latch(bell crank) I00, Figs. 3, 4, fulcrummed at IIlI and biased to retaincover I5 in closed position by spring I02. Latch I00 holds cover I6 byprojectin lug I03.

The cover may be opened for inspection of the dust bag and its contentsby pressing release button lfib Figs. 1,5 and 6, mounted on the frontsurface of cover link member I60. Pressing button ISb inwards causesplunger I05 mounted in I06 and biased outwardly by spring I08'to contactlatch actuating pin 99 and through extension lug 99a to thereby releasecover restraining latch I00.

Latch 52a can be tripped only when cover I5 is .fully opened and hencecompression and jamming of bag 30 within sleeve member 23 is impossible.

It is to be noted that pneumatically operated device 200,.Figs. 3, 4,releases bell crank 25!) one arm of which'is in the form of a movabletrack 25! affixed to a shaft 252 bearinged in mounting members 253, 254the other arm 255 is affixed to shaft 252 and provided withunidirectionally actuating finger 255a pivoted at 2551) and biased tooperating position by spring 2552. Finger 225a trips cover restraininglatch I by actuating arm IIU thereof. Arm 25I of bell crank 25!] alsoactuates toggle switch 3I0 to its off position through a mechanicalconnection including link member 96 which actuates switch arm 9'!through pin 98, thereby stopping the motor fan unit and thusdeenergizing the cleaner unit.

The pneumatic control means 20!! measures the increased pressure dropthrough the bag accompanying continued dust collection and triggers themechanical cover releasing means I00.

It comprises :a;two chamberedrelement 2015202 separatedby a diaphragm203abiasedi by spring 204" to forward position; Chamber 2M is connectedpneumatically'by tube 205'to the clean 'siiriace'or dust bag 30. .while'chamber 202 "is connecte'd'by tube"'206' to thedirtysurfa'ce' of dustbag 30 by way of tubular memberZI.

Connecting rod 2I'0f has one end. affixed to and movable with. thecenter of diaphragm 203so as-to convey'motiontherefrom to a pair ofrollers/2 I'l, 2I2 bea'ringedtin end-pieces! l3, 2H! and adapted to rideon fixed track 220 and movable-track 25L When extended, rod 2 Icauses'rollers 2 II, 212 to hold-the movable-track in relatively fixedposition and when retracted releases the movable 'track'for movementwith respectto thefixed' track. in response to the biasing action ofspring 256;

Cover I6, Figs'l, 2, 5, is hingedly supported at Ilband I Gefromfrontbody ring 20 by meansof a pair of parallel links, one link I! beingpivoted at'l la, while the second link is the lower portion of frontcover member I6c pivoted at IBd. A springlt; Fig.5, maintains the coverI6 biased to its open position. The extension Ii3-"of :linki- H has a"unidirectionally" actuating. fingers 63d. pivoted at 631); is biased tooperating positio'n by'sp'ring 63c and functions as above described" torelease latch 52a and" effect dust bag ejection "only upon downward"travel" and' substantially full opening of cover I6.

The tripping device for operating the cover re= leasing mechanism" inthe embodiment. illus trated is 1 independent of" the.Pejection"unit-:51. As illustrated in the drawings, Figs; 3; 4; 5 and '6pressure differencediaphragm:200:releaseslbell crank triggeringmechanism 2 50, Figs: 3; 4'," 5 and 6 which trips the normally spring:biased cover restraining latch I00. The "normallyi restrained cover'triggering mechanism also: actuates switch filllowhich breaks the motor.fan'iicircuitiin timed means; e-. g1, machine I screws, 'bolts;etce,as: shown I at 24,-Fig. 2. Rubber sealingwrings iflld are used wherenecessary in orderto attain wmore perfect assurance against airsuctionvleakage and h'ence effectbetter dust collection.

With-the dustbag. 30in place and cover-"I6 closed-as in Fig; 3,the-motor-fanunitis started by pressing button.- ltfa' whichactuatestoggle switch SIB to its on position.- Ifbell cranke250 is inthe position shown in Figs.*-.4"'and- 6-, actuax tion .of switch buttonI6a-causesring-3I0w to de press levenmember 96 and-reset or returni'moveable track 25 Ito its relatively fixedposition shown in-Figs. B and 5withrollers-ZI I, 2 I2 out of notch 25! d. The cleaner isthen'inconditionrforioperaition and automatic bag ejection. l I Thus; thisinvention provides a simplified control system for enabling'apneumatically--trig gered device to effect-the automatic operation of apredetermined-control mechanism or to initiate a sequence of steps in adevice. suchea's ayacuum cleaner or a similarly suction-or pre'ssureopere atedpiece of apparatus.

More specifically means is proyidedlfor use in a vacuum cleanerwherebypneumatieand mechane ica-l controls are used totrigger'suchielementsas sealing means in the form or a movable cover, orenergizing and deenergizing means-in the torm of a toggle -switch',-etc.; etc., all of whichare oper ated or atuated-inresponse to and'uponthee'stablishnient of, predetermined pressure condi' tions within thecleaner.

It is to be understood that the embodiment herein s ecifically describedis to. be considered as an illustrative =and nct limitativ'e disclosureof the-invention, ithei'scope of Whichis more clearly defined by theappended claims.

We claim 2.

1. In a vacuumcleaner, the combinationcomprising a casing-having anopening, means mov; able-relative. to saidaopening, a hose connectorcarried by saidmovabletmeans, means for producing a'flow of air throughsaid casing, a dust bag in said casing inthe path of said air flow forseparating entrained dirt from saidair', a; mem: ber movable in responseto an increase inpressure drop'throu'gh said bag, a fixed track,amovable track, resilient means tending to move said movable track withrespect to said fixed track, roller'means disposed between said tracksfor holding the latter in relatively fixed position, said rollermeansbeing displac'eable by movement of said movable memberto release saidmovable track for movement with respect to said fixed track, and controlmechanism operative in response to movement of said movable track toeffect movement of said first mentioned means.

2. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination comprising a casing having" anopening, means for producing a flow of air through said casing, a dustbag in said casing in the path of said airflow for separating entraineddirt from said air, releasable means forejecting said dust bag, a membermovable in response to an increase in pressure drop through said bag, afixed track, a movable track, resilient means tending to move'saidmovable'track with respect to said fixed track, roller meansdisposed'between said'tracks for holding the latter in relatively fixedposition, said roller means being displaceable by movement of saidmovable member to release saidmovable track for movement with respect tosaid fixed track, and means for operating the releasable means for eecting the dust bag in response to movement of saidmovable track.

3. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination comprising a casing having anopening, a mov able cover for said opening, means for producing a flowof air through said casing, a dust bag in said casing in the path ofsaid air'flow for separating entrained dirt from said air; a membermovable in response to an increase in pressure drop through said bag; afixed track, a movable track, resilient means tending to move saidmovable track with respect to said fixed track, roller means disposedbetween said tracks for holding the'latter in relatively fixed position,the roller means being displaceable by movementof the movable member torelease. the movable track for movement with respect to the fixed track,and means for opening sa'idmovable'cover in response to movement. of themovable track;

4. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination com prising a casing having anopening, a movable cover forsaid opening, means for producingv a. flowof air through said casing, a dust bag in said casing in the path ofsaid air flow for separating entrained dirtxfrom said air, releasablemeans for ejectingsaid dust bag, a member. mov

ablein responseto an increase in pressure drop through. said bag, afixed track, a movable track, resilient means tending to move saidmovable track with respect to said fixed track, roller means disposedbetween said tracks for holding the latter in relatively fixed position,the roller means being displaceable by movement of the movable member torelease the movable track for movement with respect to the fixed track,means for opening said movable cover in. response to movement of themovable track, and means for operating the releasable means for ejectingthe dust bag in response to movement of said cover.

5. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination comprising a casing having anopening, means for producing a fiow of air through said casing, a dustbag in said casing in the path of said air flow for separating entraineddirt from said air, switching means for energizing and deenergizing saidair fiow producing means, a member movable in response to an increase inpressure drop through said bag, a fixed track, a movable track,resilient means tending to move said movable track with respect to saidfixed track, roller means disposed between said tracks for holding thelatter in relatively fixed position, said roller means beingdisplaceable by movement of the movable member to release the movabletrack for movement with respect to the fixed track, and means foractuating said switching means for deenergizing the air flow producingmeans in response to movement of said movable track.

6. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination comprising a casing having anopening, means for producing a fiow of air through said casing, a dustbag in said casing in the path of said air flow for separating entraineddirt from said air, switching means forenergizing and deenergizing saidair flow producing means, releasable means for ejecting'said dust bag, amember movable in response to an increase in pressure drop through saidbag, a fixed track, a movable track, resilient means tending to movesaid movable track with respect to said fixed track, roller meansdisposed between said tracks for holding the latter in relatively fixedposition, said roller means being displaceable by movement of themovable member to release the movable track for movement with respect tothe fixed track, and means for actuating said switching means fordeenergizing the air flow producing means and for operating thereleasable means for ejecting the dust bag in response to movement ofsaid movable track.

'7. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination comprising a casing having anopening, a movable cover for said opening, means for producing a flow ofair through said casing, a dust bag in said casing in the path of saidair flow for separating entrained dirt from said air, switching meansfor energizing and deenergizing said air flow producing means,releasable means for ejecting said dust bag, a member movable inresponse to an increase in pressure drop through said bag, a fixedtrack, a movable track, resilient means tending to move said movabletrack with respect to said fixed track, roller means disposed betweensaid tracks for holding the latter in relativelly fixed position, saidroller means being displaceable by movement of the movable member torelease the movable track for movement with respect to the fixed track,and means for actuating said switching means for deenergizing the airfiow producing means, for opening said movable cover and for operatingthe re- Ieasable means'for ejecting the dust bag in response to movementof said movable track.

8. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination comprising a casing having anopening, means for producing a flow of air through said casing, a dustbag in said casing in the path of said air flow for separating entraineddirt from said air, releasable means for ejecting said dust bag, amember'movable in response to an increase in pressure drop through saidbag, a fixed track, a movable track, resilient means tending to movesaid movable track with respect to said fixed track, roller meansdisposed between said tracks for holding the latter in relatively fixedposition, a roller receiving notch in one of said tracks, the rollermeans being displaceable by movement of said movable member to entersaid notch and release said movable track for movement with respect tosaid fixed track, and means for operating the releasable means forejecting the dust bag in response to movement of said movable track.

9. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination comprising a casing having anopening, a movable cover for said opening, means for producing a flow ofair though said casing, a dust bag in said casing in the path of saidair flow for separating entertained dirt from said air, releasable meansfor ejecting said dust bag, a member movable in response to an increasein pressure drop through said bag, a fixed track, a movable track,resilient means tending to move said movable track with respect to saidfixed track, roller means disposed between said tracks for holding thelatter in relatively fixed position, a roller receiving notch in one ofsaid tracks, the roller means being displaceable by movement of saidmovable member to enter said notch and release said movable track formovement with respect to said fixed track, and means for opening saidmovable cover and for operating the releasable means for ejecting thedust bag in response to movement of said movable track.

10. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination comprising a casing having anopening, a motor fan unit for producing a flow of air through saidcasing, a dust bag in said casing in the path of said airflow forseparating entrained dirt from said air, a circuit for energizing saidmotor fan unit. a manual switch for opening and closing said circuit, amember movable in response to an increase in pressure drop through saidbag, a fixed track, a movable track, resilient means tending to movesaid movable track with respect to said fixed track, roller meansdisposed between said tracks for holding the latter in relatively fixedposition, said roller means being displaceable by movement of themovable member to release the movable track for movement with respect tothe fixed track, means for opening said switch in response to movementof said movable track, and means responsive to subsequent manual closingof said switch for returning said movable track to its original positionwith respect to said fixed track.

11. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination comprising a casing having anopening, a movable cover for said opening, means for producing a flow ofair through said casing, a dust bag in said casing in the path of saidair flow for separating entrained dirt from said air, releasable meansfor ejecting said dust bag, a member movable in response to an increasein pressure drop through said bag, a fixed track, a movable track,resilient means tending to move said movable track with ing the dust bagin response to movement of said 10 movable track.

ARNOLD H. BEEDE. LEON P. BORKOSKI.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,532,642 Senne Dec. 5, 19502,534,280 Lofgren Dec. 19, 1950

